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Education

Blake Lapthorn’s ‘excellent’ team is led from London by Martin Kay and advises several universities in the south of England, including the University of Oxford. It acts as sole legal sponsor for spin-out companies formed under the university’s Isis Innovation programme.

DMH Stallard LLP’s team acts mainly for Sussex-based institutions, such as Eastbourne College, Lancing College and the University of Sussex. Recent work includes advising on outsourcing, employment matters and regulatory issues. Real estate specialist Martin Allen leads the team.

Andrew Knorpel’s team at asb law LLP includes specialists in charity, employment and construction. In 2011 the team won new instructions from North West Kent College and FE Sussex, and advised on a two-site property refinancing. Other clients include East Surrey College and Wandsworth Borough Council.

Bond Pearce LLP’s team, led by Christina Tolvas-Vincent, advised on a licensing, software and services agreement, and defended a college against allegations of discrimination and unfair dismissal. Tolvas-Vincent replaces former department head Bettina Rigg, who moved to Veale Wasbrough Vizards in November 2011.

Manches LLP’s cross-practice team counts several University of Oxford colleges among its clients. Recent work includes representing students on external academic appeals and disciplinary matters. Group head Daff Richardson has a ‘calm and reassuring approach’.

Morgan Cole’s team assists independent schools and academies on governance, exclusion and administration matters. Recent work includes advising on public procurement requirements for a facilities management contract. Team head Clara Snow was promoted to senior associate in November 2011.

Catherine Wilson’s team at Thomas Eggar LLP represented Southgate College in its merger with Barnet College. It also represented Bromley College of Further and Higher Education in its merger with Orpington College, and provides ongoing employment advice to Queen Mary, University of London.

Birkett Long LLP’s 2011 highlights included advising a junior school on its conversion to academy status. Clients include the University of Essex.

Kirstin Parker’s team at Clarkslegal LLP continues to represent the University of Reading, and in 2011 advised it on the redevelopment of part of its student accommodation.

Furley Page Solicitors advised Abbey Academy on employment, TUPE and property issues arising from its conversion to academy status. Christopher Wacher heads the team.

Health

DAC Beachcroft LLP has a full-service, cross-office health practice, with particular strength in contentious matters. Department head Matthew McGrath acts for the NHSLA in a variety of claims, and the team was recently appointed to the MDU’s panel for claims and advisory work. The firm also fields a healthcare risk team.

Morgan Cole’s ‘responsive and focused’ team is ‘expert in the sector’. Highlights included representing Surrey PCT in its transition from a provider to a commissioner under the health reforms. Gayle Curry has ‘expert knowledge of the NHS’.

Brachers’ team, headed by managing partner John Sheath, advises NHS PCTs and foundation trusts in Kent and Sussex on employment, property and corporate/commercial matters. The group also has a strong track record representing NHS bodies at inquest. Recent work includes acting for a PCT on the disposal of a £2.5m portfolio of care homes.

Kirstin Parker heads the team at Clarkslegal LLP, which in 2011 advised private clients on healthcare technology issues and a variety of NHS trusts on property matters.

DMH Stallard LLP acts for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman on applications for judicial review. The team also advises a number of corporate clients on transactions in the health sector.

Local government

Cripps Harries Hall LLP benefits from various panel memberships, and acts for a wide range of councils and government bodies on procurement, litigation and real estate matters. Highlights for Miles Paffard’s ‘excellent’ team included advising on the compulsory purchase of land and associated compensation claims, in relation to the High Speed 1 project.

DMH Stallard LLP advises clients such as Crawley Borough Council, the City of Westminster and the Local Government Ombudsman on the full range of local government issues. In 2011, Jenny Thorp’s team acted in several employment tribunal defences, and also assisted councils in criminal prosecutions.

Dentons continued to represent Southend Borough Council in relation to the expansion of Southend Airport. Nick Mott’s team also advised Test Valley Borough Council on EU competition aspects of the procurement of a development partner for the regeneration of a business park. London-based Stephen Webb ‘is approaching doyen status in the spheres of planning and regeneration’.

asb law LLP’s team , led by Jeremy Ferris, has ‘strength in depth’ in property and employment matters. Clients include Brighton and Hove City Council, Eastbourne Borough Council and West Sussex County Council. Ferris has expertise in property litigation.

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